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Is Kalen DeBoer the guy for Alabama football? Heading into year three, SEC media pundit Paul Finebaum still doesn't think so.
At the SEC Football Kickoff in Tampa on Wednesday, July 22, Finebaum discussed DeBoer with Stephen A. Smith on "First Take."
Stephen A. Smith had been vocal about his disbelief in DeBoer throughout the week on "First Take," but Finebaum joined the conversation while at the SEC Football Kickoff in Tampa on Wednesday, July 22. His boldest take came moments before the Crimson Tide's coach took the podium.
"Kalen DeBoer has just made a mess out of a great situation," Finebaum declared.
REQUIRED READING: Why this Alabama football QB battle is nothing new to Austin Mack | Exclusive
DeBoer touts an overall record of 124-20 as a head coach. However, eight of those 20 losses were in the last two seasons at Alabama. That stat stuck with Smith and Finebaum.
"He lost to Florida State last year, which was total trash, and should've (been) fired as coach," Finebaum said. "Yeah, he won a playoff game. He was also down 17. Oklahoma had a 17-nothing lead and completely choked the game away....
One reporter in Tampa questioned DeBoer about the challenge of living up to what legendary coach Nick Saban built, and if he felt he was living up to it.
"I just know my past experiences, being part of places that have pride and tradition on the extreme high level like Alabama would, or Alabama has, would be something I'd want to be a part of, and I love that challenge. Love the internal challenge and just the moment of trying to bring a team together to be the best it can be," DeBoer said.
Regardless of how DeBoer views himself, or the opinions of talking heads, he has the faith of Alabama's athletic department, as seen by an unexpected raise and seven-year contract extension in April, bringing his annual salary to $12.5 million.
"But let's not get carried away with DeBoer. He's an excellent coach," Finebaum said. "But is he the right coach at Alabama? Stephen A., I think you know the answer."
The Crimson Tide starts the season on Saturday, Sept. 5 against East Carolina. Bryant-Denny Stadium will welcome fans back for an 11 a.m. kickoff.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Why Finebaum said Kalen DeBoer has 'made a mess' of Alabama football opportunity
Continue reading...
At the SEC Football Kickoff in Tampa on Wednesday, July 22, Finebaum discussed DeBoer with Stephen A. Smith on "First Take."
Stephen A. Smith had been vocal about his disbelief in DeBoer throughout the week on "First Take," but Finebaum joined the conversation while at the SEC Football Kickoff in Tampa on Wednesday, July 22. His boldest take came moments before the Crimson Tide's coach took the podium.
"Kalen DeBoer has just made a mess out of a great situation," Finebaum declared.
REQUIRED READING: Why this Alabama football QB battle is nothing new to Austin Mack | Exclusive
DeBoer touts an overall record of 124-20 as a head coach. However, eight of those 20 losses were in the last two seasons at Alabama. That stat stuck with Smith and Finebaum.
Paul Finebaum still asking if Kalen DeBoer is 'right coach' at Alabama
"He lost to Florida State last year, which was total trash, and should've (been) fired as coach," Finebaum said. "Yeah, he won a playoff game. He was also down 17. Oklahoma had a 17-nothing lead and completely choked the game away....
One reporter in Tampa questioned DeBoer about the challenge of living up to what legendary coach Nick Saban built, and if he felt he was living up to it.
"I just know my past experiences, being part of places that have pride and tradition on the extreme high level like Alabama would, or Alabama has, would be something I'd want to be a part of, and I love that challenge. Love the internal challenge and just the moment of trying to bring a team together to be the best it can be," DeBoer said.
Regardless of how DeBoer views himself, or the opinions of talking heads, he has the faith of Alabama's athletic department, as seen by an unexpected raise and seven-year contract extension in April, bringing his annual salary to $12.5 million.
"But let's not get carried away with DeBoer. He's an excellent coach," Finebaum said. "But is he the right coach at Alabama? Stephen A., I think you know the answer."
The Crimson Tide starts the season on Saturday, Sept. 5 against East Carolina. Bryant-Denny Stadium will welcome fans back for an 11 a.m. kickoff.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Why Finebaum said Kalen DeBoer has 'made a mess' of Alabama football opportunity
Continue reading...
